Pirates and Hurricanes share the spoils
East Kilbride Pirates 6 - 6 Dundee Hurricanes Report C/O East Kilbride Pirates A top -of-the-table versus bottom-of-the-table clash looked on paper like a straightforward task for the Scotland 's Number One team. On the field, of course, it was a different story. Wet and windy conditions made passing next to impossible for both teams, so they took to the ground to move the ball. The first quarter was a stalemate, with neither team breaking the deadlock. In the second quarter, the home team suffered a considerable setback when backup Quarterback Darren Brownlie was tackled after a short run and landed badly, breaking his collar bone. With starting QB Ryan Hunter unavailable for duty and no replacements on the bench, the role went to former Pirates QB Ross Templeton, who hadn't been under Centre for several years. The Pirates continued to move the ball on the ground, but on his first pass attempt, Templeton was tackled and lost the ball as he appeared to be making a pass. This was judged as a fumble by the officials and Dundee took the opportunity with the short field to punch in the opening score through utility man 'Dooma' Niakate. The conversion attempt failed, giving the visitors a 6-0 lead. This proved to be the only slip up of an outstanding performance from the Pirates Defense who held the visitors to a cumulative total of only three yards of total offense! Standout performances came from the Linebacker corps, including seven solo and two assisted tackles from Steven Kane and six solo tackles for a total loss of 33 yards from Lee Collins. Throughout the game, the Hurricanes only first down game through a Roughing the Kicker penalty on Pirates Defensive Lineman Steven Wilson. The third quarter again ended scoreless, leaving the Pirates trailing 6-0 with only fifteen minutes to play. By now the reins at QB had been handed to 2007 Most Valuable Player Craig Towler, who had played both Running Back and Receiver in his Pirates career but never Quarterback. He took to the position with gusto, carving out yards both himself and through his Running Backs, finally culminating in a one yard diving score from Iain Dick. The two point conversion was stuffed at the line of scrimmage, leaving the score at 6-6. Despite having the better of the remaining possession, the Pirates failed to convert again, meaning that the teams shared the spoils. The Pirates next game is a visit to the Gateshead Senators on Sunday 23 August and they return home for the British Quarter final on 30 August. The opposition for that game will be determined as the remaining results unfold. Should the Pirates win both of those games, they'll find themselves with a British Semi-Final, again at home, on Sunday 6 September for a place at Britbowl 23. To find more about the team or to get involved, visit www.piratesfootball.co.uk or email info@piratesfootball.co.uk . Find the Pirates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/piratesfootball |
